iOS 8 GM Download Available for Developers

Apple has released the final version of iOS 8, known as the Golden Master (GM) build, to those registered with the iOS Developer program. The final build is 12A365, and is notably unavailable as an OTA download from existing iOS 8 beta releases.

Because of the inability to use Over-The-Air update from an existing beta version, the best thing to do is to install iOS 8 GM fresh, or to update over an existing iOS 7 installation. As most developers know by now, that’s good practice for updating from beta software anyway.

The final release of iOS 8 will be September 17 for the wider public, making now an excellent time to prepare your iPhones and iPads for the iOS 8 update before it becomes available. With that said, technically anyone can install the iOS 8 GM builds as long as they have iTunes 11.4 installed on their Mac, so if you have a friend in the developer program and you’re antsy to get your hands on iOS 8, you could head over to their house and install it – and no, we’re not recommending anyone do that.

Yes, the iOS 8 GM build is the same as the iOS 8 final build and will receive regular iOS 8 updates, whether that’s iOS 8.0.1 or iOS 8.1 etc. However, the GM build is limited to developers at the moment. The release will be available to everyone on Wednesday.

GM means Golden Master, an old term from back when they used to ‘master’ disks, thus the golden master was the final that would go off to master many more copies. It’s almost always the final version, very rare for an update to occur between GM and public release.

You can download the IPSW for iOS 8 GM for any device, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, from IMZDL. Pick your device from the list, and use the “Direct” and “Premium Download” button to download the actual iOS 8 firmware file. All are GM builds.

This website and third-party tools use cookies for functional, analytical, and advertising purposes. By continuing to browse the site, closing this banner, scrolling this webpage, or clicking a link, you agree to these cookies. You can review our privacy policy for additional information.I AcceptPrivacy Policy